With the addition of Epic Universe, many families are wondering if Universal Orlando is still an affordable vacation destination. In this episode, we're putting that question to the test.

Julie and Krystle each have a budget of $5,000 to plan a Universal Orlando vacation, but they're planning for very different families. Julie is building a trip for a family of four, while Krystle is stretching the same budget for a family of five. From hotels and park tickets to Express Passes, food, transportation, and souvenirs, we're breaking down exactly how we would spend our money and where we'd choose to save.

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This week on Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing a very special Walt Disney World trip report as we celebrate our daughter Ella's 13th birthday!

As part of a family tradition, Ella's grandparents take each grandchild on a trip of their choice for their 13th birthday, and for the final grandchild's big adventure, she chose Walt Disney World. Ella even brought her lifelong best friend Sofia along for the fun.

Join us as we recap our split stay at Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, discuss our Park Hopper strategy, and share the highlights (and frustrations) from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom.

We'll talk about using Wait Magic for Lightning Lane planning, riding Tiana's Bayou Adventure twice, experiencing the newly reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, discovering an unexpected new favorite restaurant at EPCOT's San Angel Inn, and surviving a challenging day at Hollywood Studios. Plus, hear the unbelievable story of how a brand-new Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket turned into a memorable and surprising moment of the trip.

Most importantly, Ella joins us to share her perspective on the vacation, her favorite rides, resorts, snacks, and memories from this milestone birthday celebration.

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
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For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
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This episode is a bonus On-the-Go episode with real time reviews/comments on Julie's Walt Disney World trip. This trip was a birthday celebration trip for Julie's daughter, Ella. Ella brough her lifelong bestie, Sofia. This was Sofia's first trip to Walt Disney World. Listen in for their 13 year old point of view. There were both fun and frustrating moments with forever memories made!

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast

For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7